Austin Wilson is a born leader. From captain of his high school football team to his current role as president of Agricultural Systems Technology (AST) Club, he’s making an impact in his chosen communities. 

“Leadership has always been something I’ve tried to do,” he said.  

Wilson is a junior majoring in plant sciences with minors in AST and agribusiness management at the University of Missouri. It’s his second year on campus and his second year as AST Club president. 

“The first year was more feeling out what I could do,” he said. “Then in this second year, it’s been a chance for me to really put that into effect.”

Making a mark with mowers 

One big opportunity for Wilson to implement changes and improvements is the club’s annual lawnmower clinics.  

“We’ve done a lot more advertising for ourselves this year,” Wilson said. 

Community members can drop their working push mowers off for service in the Agricultural Engineering Building Courtyard during the following dates and times: 

• Wednesday, March 4 to Friday, March 6 – 7-9 a.m. or 3-6 p.m. 

• Wednesday, April 8 to Friday, April 10 – 7-9 a.m. or 3-6 p.m. 

AST Club members will work on the mowers the Saturday following the drop off windows for a $50 service fee. 

“We do several things: Sharpen the blades, change the oil, change the spark plug, clean air filters, power wash it so it looks new at the beginning of the season,” Wilson said.  

Members will then have the mowers ready for customers to pick up at the beginning of the following week.  

“We do it all for a really cheap price,” Wilson said. “There are people who come from 30, 40 miles away because it’s a better price than what they can get locally.” 

It’s a fundraising event that gives AST Club members the opportunity to get hands-on work experience while raising money for the club. 

“We’re able to have lifetime memberships in the club because of this fundraiser,” said Wilson. “You don’t have to pay dues every year, and it allows a meal at every meeting.” 

Furthering learning opportunities for the future 

The experience these club members get goes far beyond repairing lawnmowers for the growing season.  

“The member benefits are huge,” Wilson said.  

Wilson and his fellow students often hear from guest speakers in the agriculture industry and travel to visit various companies and organizations. Some of these trips have included visits to agriculture companies like Kinze and Vermeer, and facilities at Iowa State University. 

“You get to meet companies, you get to meet people,” he said. “Networking is the name of the game.” 

Wilson’s leadership prospects in the agricultural industry don’t end with AST Club. He was also recently elected national president of Students of Agronomy, Soils and Environmental Sciences (SASES). 

“I kind of have my iron in a lot of fires,” Wilson said. “There are a lot of things I’m passionate about that I try to divide my time into.” 

It’s through these many channels that Wilson is paving his way toward a successful career in agriculture, leadership and beyond.